Senate approves Bong Go’s PGH bed capacity expansion bill
Sen. Bong Go
MANILA, Philippines – The Senate approved on February 3, on third and final reading, Senate Bill No. 2928, which seeks to increase the bed capacity of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from 1,334 to 2,200, marking a major step in efforts addressing hospital overcrowding and enhancing healthcare services for Filipinos.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, author and principal sponsor of the measure, expressed his gratitude to his fellow senators for their overwhelming support of the bill, emphasizing the urgent need to improve PGH’s capacity to serve indigent patients.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa aking mga kasamahan sa Senado sa pagsuporta sa panukalang ito. Ang PGH ay isang mahalagang institusyon para sa ating mga kababayang nangangailangan ng libre at de-kalidad na serbisyong medikal. Sa tulong ng batas na ito, mas maraming pasyente ang matutulungan at mabibigyan ng mas maayos na pangangalaga,” Go stated.
If passed into law, the measure will enable PGH to accommodate more patients, reduce congestion, and improve healthcare delivery.
The PGH, established in 1907 and opened in 1910, is the country’s largest government tertiary hospital, catering to over 700,000 patients annually. However, the hospital has long been operating beyond its capacity, with some reports showing occupancy rates exceeding 200 percent, forcing patients to share beds or wait in hallways for medical attention.
Article continues after this advertisementSenator Go stressed that the expansion of PGH’s bed capacity is crucial in ensuring that every patient, especially the poor, receives proper medical care. He noted that many indigent patients rely on PGH for specialized treatment, making the hospital’s decongestion a priority.
Article continues after this advertisement“Sa PGH, hindi lang isa kundi dalawa o minsan tatlong pasyente ang nagsisiksikan sa isang kama. Hindi dapat ito mangyari sa isang ospital na dapat ay nag-aalaga at nagpapagaling ng ating mga kababayan. Ang pagdaragdag ng mga kama at pasilidad ay isang hakbang patungo sa mas maayos na serbisyo,” he emphasized.
During President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, the PGH received monthly budgetary support from the Office of the President to support its operations and patient services. This funding enabled PGH to provide free medications and medical tests to its patients.
Go also pointed out that PGH has been a consistent beneficiary of his healthcare initiatives, including the establishment of a Malasakit Center within the hospital. The Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop where patients can access medical assistance from government agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
“Isa ang PGH sa unang nagkaroon ng Malasakit Center, at patuloy nating pinalalakas ang suporta sa kanila. Alam nating marami ang lumalapit sa PGH para magpagamot, kaya dapat lang na tiyakin natin na may sapat na tulong para sa kanila,” Go said.
Aside from pushing for PGH’s expansion, Go has also consistently provided support to the hospital during times of crisis. In 2021, after a fire broke out at the hospital, he immediately coordinated assistance to help PGH recover and continue operations.
He has also advocated for funding to support the construction of additional facilities, including a halfway house for patient watchers who often endure difficult conditions while accompanying their loved ones at the hospital.
“Maraming mga bantay ng pasyente ang natutulog lang sa sahig o sa upuan. Hindi dapat ganito ang kalagayan nila habang inaalagaan ang kanilang mahal sa buhay. Ang bahagi ng ating panukala ay tiyakin na may sapat na espasyo para sa kanila,” Go added.
Go reaffirmed his commitment to championing health initiatives that directly benefit the Filipino people, particularly those from marginalized communities. He vowed to continue working on measures that would strengthen the country’s healthcare system and ensure that every Filipino has access to quality medical services.
“Hindi tayo titigil sa pagsusulong ng mga reporma para mapabuti ang ating healthcare system. Ang panukalang ito ay patunay na sa tulong ng ating mga kasamahan sa Senado, patuloy nating inilalapit ang serbisyong medikal sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.
With the bill moving closer to becoming law, Go remains hopeful that it will bring significant relief to PGH and its patients, reinforcing the hospital’s vital role in providing accessible and quality healthcare for Filipinos in need.
Go emphasized that his focus remains on bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need, saying: “huwag na dapat pahirapan ang mga naghihirap na. Ilapit natin ang serbisyong may malasakit sa mga nangangailangan.”
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” underscored Go who is known for his compassionate service to Filipinos in need.
